Publishing a successful SF/F novel is not something you can easily do to a formula, and indeed, the measures of what make a novel a success are as varied as the houses that publish them. So how, then, do you go about finding this elusive success and packaging a novel in a way that will maximise its potential in the market?

As I see it, there are currently two schools of thought – to package your SF/F novel to appeal to as wide a readership as possible, in the hope of enticing readers from other areas of the bookstore to pick it up on a whim; or to package your SF/F novel to appeal to the perceived core readership of the genre, or indeed, fans of Battlestar Galactica and Doctor Who, people who want a book with a spaceship or a wizard on the front of it.

For even more insight into the matter, check out Ariel’s assessment of the matter over at The Genre Files.

I'm betting the word 'Firefly' made you at least take a look at this post. And since you're reading this on SF Signal (the purveyors of all fine things science fiction) I'm betting you like Firefly. A lot. You may even have a browncoat to your, but you've definitely seen Joss Whedon's truncated masterpiece several times. You may have even Continue Reading →

I'm writing today in support of a fantastic independent bookstore here in Houston, Texas. Murder By the Book ("Where a good crime is had by all") is a local bookstore that does everything right. It's focused on the muder mystery/crime genre of fiction, and scattered around their comfortable shop are appropriate touches--a raven here, a bottle of hemlock there, and Continue Reading →

Joanne Anderton has posted the table of contents for her upcoming collection The Bone Chime Song and Other Stories (which features an introduction by Kaaron Warren): "The Bone Chime Song" "Mah Song" "Shadow of Drought" "Sanaa’s Army" "From the Dry Heart to the Sea" "Always a Price" "Out Hunting for Teeth" "Death Masque" "Flowers in the shadow of the Garden" Continue Reading →